Virtual Bird Study Merit Badge

What: This badge will teach you all the basics of spotting and identifying some of the most important wildlife in our ecosystem! You will learn about habitats, feeding, common markings to identify species, and more! Learn a great hobby that you can learn now and enjoy throughout your life!

 Meet your Counselor - Sandi Ferretti has been an active parent and leader in Pack 1 Manville and Troop 1 Manville for more than 10 years. She is currently the Advancement Chair. Birding is a great hobby that I picked up from my Dad. I love to watch the birds that come to my feeder, as well as spot new birds wherever I go. It is so exciting to “capture” a new species (I’m an amateur photographer too)! Our area is a migratory passage for many species, and this time of year is great to find the species who are our “just passing through” visitors!

WHO: Open to all Scouts BSA members.

HOW:  This Merit Badge will be taught in a virtual classroom. The class has a capacity of 12 Scouts. Small classroom size provides all students with the opportunity to share and interact with the counselors and other Scouts. Scouts should be prepared to be challenged and to join the conversation! Participants who do not engage with the class may not receive credit for the badge. Scouts must be prompt for all badge sessions. Late participants may not receive credit for all requirements. Scouts must use a device with video to access this class.

Before beginning work on any merit badge, scouts are to have a discussion with their unit leader regarding the specific badge and counselor.

WHEN: This class will be held virtually over two sessions:

June 10, 2020 3:00PM-5:00PM 

June 17, 2020 3:00PM-5:00PM 

Scouts must attend both sessions to complete the offered requirements.

After registering, Scouts will receive a link and login information via email the day of scheduled class. Scouts will also receive instructor details that can be used to connect to the counselor on Scoutbook. This assures that completed requirements are easily recorded. 

PREREQUISITES:  

1. Print out the workbook: http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/Bird-Study.pdf
2. Put up a birdfeeder if you are able (if your family already has one up – that is fine). https://www.construct101.com/birdfeeder-plans-for-beginners-and-pros-free/
3. Start watching for birds you can identify on your daily walks or bike rides!
4. Be prepared to work on the requirements between week 1 and week 2.
5. Scouts need to get outside and identify 20 birds in their environment. If they put up a feeder, this is a great help. But they will need time between Class 1 and Class 2 to do the work.